Student and faculty researchers shared their work with their colleagues and community members Nov. 8 during the annual Research Awards Day on The University of Southern Mississippi Hattiesburg campus, and top scholars were honored for their contributions in their respective fields.

The event began with talks given by top honorees about their research, a luncheon with award presentations and concluding with a research poster session.

“This event really gets to the heart of what’s so exciting about being here at Southern Miss, and that is the opportunity to work and study with a community of skilled and world renowned university researchers,” said Dr. Louis Kyriakoudes, professor of history and chairman of the event.

Spofford, a native of New Castle, Calif. is a recent graduate of the university’s doctoral program in creative writing. She was a student of Dr. Angela Ball in the Department of English’ renowned Center for Writers, and is now an assistant professor of poetry at Austin Peay State University in Clarksville, Tenn.

“I’m honored to win this award,” Spofford said. “USM graduate students are incredibly active in terms of research, and I’m very grateful for the opportunities I had while attending the university.”